I did not watch the Grammy's last Sunday evening, but I wish I had.
Since then, it’s clear that millions of people were moved by Tracy Chapman and Luke Combs singing “Fast Car” together. Chapman wrote the song in 1988 and Combs covered it last year.
Hearing them sing together in our hyper-partisan and sorely divided culture gives me hope.
Several friends have shared the above meme on social media, and it captures the spirit of the song well. Click on the image to hear the song. My favorite part is at 3:45 when Combs is mouthing the words with clear admiration. Here's a good two minute clip about Combs and his long time love of the song: Fast Car
As Christians, we are called to love our neighbors (and our enemies!) and to take up the ministry of reconciliation. Our world need healing and bridge building. Music and God’s word both inspire us to persevere in this challenging work.
On the journey together,
Charlie
P.S. - Ash Wednesday!
I hope you’ll join us for Ash Wednesday worship next week at 7:00, as we begin the season of Lent together. Click the image for more info.
Guest Musicians: Jazz Trio - Brad Townsend (bass), Hannah Johnson (drums), Mark Siegenthaler (piano)
Children's Time with Megan Berry
Nursery Care: 8:45AM-12:15PM
Kaleidoscope Kids: during 9:00AM worship
Annual Meeting: 10:00-10:45AM (NO Bradfield Cafe)
Visit our Worship HQ for everything you need to worship with us online!
If you missed a service or would like to watch a service again, all livestreamed services are saved to our YouTube channel. Or you can give the sermons another listen on our sermon podcast!
Agenda will include: 1) Approval of the 2023 Annual Report, 2) Approval of the terms of call for Pastor Charlie and Pastor Megan, 3) Presentation of the 2023 Budget.
Children & Youth Ministries
Children's Ministries
Everything meets as normal this Sunday (Feb 11) except Sunday School since there is an Annual Meeting (10AM). Kiddos will meet in Bradfield Hall to play Bible Bingo!
Youth Connection
Youth Connection will meet at 5:30PM this Sunday (Feb 11) to watch the Super Bowl. We'll all head home at halftime.
Note: there is no Confirmation due to the Annual Meeting.
Women of Covenant are invited to Soul Sisters! Janice Walden will lead this month’s discussion topic: “God's Love - Kindness, Compassion, Joy, and Peace.” Soul Sisters is a group of women who gather on the 2nd Sunday monthly (Sept-May) for interesting discussions and Bible study, always in loving support of each other. For more info, contact Barb Eikenberry. Please bring a lunch!
Heifer Sunday--UPDATE!
Heifer Sunday was a great success! We gathered to raise funds to support the development work of Heifer International, and we raised $2,165.39! You can still give at covenantmadison.org/give if you haven’t had an opportunity to participate. Thank you for joining us in this annual fundraiser! Click on the image above to see more pics!
New this week: John Riessen, father of Covenant friend Carrie Riessen.
Loving God, in your mercy, hear our prayers for each of these your children. We pray for healing, for courage, and for peace, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
If you want to learn more about Covenant and about the possibility of membership, come join the Inquirer’s Classes in the Lounge starting next week! Contact Pastor Charlie if you are interested.
This Lent, come join us for supper, fellowship, and worship in Bradfield Hall. Supper and fellowship time will start at 5:30pm and at 6:15pm, we’ll move into a time of intergenerational and casual worship together. All are welcome to attend dinner and/or worship. Please RSVP below! For supper we’re asking for $5, or it’s FREE if you are a first-time attendee.
Come to stroll, to sled, or BOTH! This is a combination of our regular Spiritual Strolls and annual Sledding Party. Hot cocoa and cookies will be provided, and they’ll be a fire! Read more...
Mondays 7:00-9:00pm (February 26 - May 6)
Register now for Nehemiah Center’s Black History for a New Day, an eye-opening course that helps us look back at how the African-American experience has shaped who we all are today. Covenant will have their own group led by Jennifer Morgan. With generous support from GMB and our longstanding relationship with Nehemiah, the cost will be a reduced $125 and $50 for alumni of the course. Scholarships also available! Register below - only 11 spots left!
Notes: 1) No class on Mar 25 and Apr 22. 2) Please do not register through the Nehemiah website, as we are registering as a group.
